Residents Report Filthy Streets and Pest Problems

The PSC (Socialist Party) in Olesa de Montserrat has launched a strong critique of the town’s new waste collection system, calling for immediate rectification. Fernando Vicente, head of the local PSC, said the summer had been "disgusting" for residents, with streets filled with uncollected rubbish, unsanitary conditions, and a rise in rodents and other animals. Vicente blamed the current municipal government, a coalition of Bloc Olesà-CUP, ERC and Junts, for what he described as serious flaws in the service that began rolling out between February and May 2026.

Three Key Failings Identified

The PSC has highlighted three main issues. First, the lack of adequate waste collection on weekends and public holidays, which it says has caused mounting problems across the town. Second, widespread confusion among residents about how the new system works, with many feeling misled and unheard. Third, insufficient enforcement against anti-social behaviour, such as illegal dumping. The party argues that stricter monitoring is needed to protect those who follow the rules.

Dispute Over Recycling Figures

The council claims the new system has boosted selective waste collection to over 60%, citing a rise from 36–37% before implementation to 60.1% in June 2026, with organic waste collection up 9.5% and residual waste down 14.5%. These figures were published by the town hall on 7 September 2026 and reported by Sostenible.cat. However, Vicente questioned the methodology behind the data, demanding transparency on how the increase was calculated and whether it had been properly verified before being made public.

Three Proposed Measures

The PSC is calling for three immediate actions: correcting the aspects of the service that are not working; launching a sustained, large-scale public information campaign to improve awareness and compliance; and taking firm action in areas where illegal dumping has created de facto landfill sites. The party insists these problem spots should be identified and monitored, with proportional enforcement of civic conduct rules.

When a person does not properly fulfil their responsibilities, they either resign or are dismissed.

Vicente stressed that political accountability must follow, adding: "Olesa de Montserrat does not deserve this level of waste management."

Official Information Channels

Under the new model, Olesa introduced locked, chipped waste containers gradually across five zones between February and May 2026. Residents were informed via letters and brochures ahead of changes in their areas, according to the municipal website olesademontserrat.cat. The municipal recycling centre (deixalleria) at Polígon Industrial Can Singla, s/n is open Monday to Saturday (non-holidays) from 09:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 19:00, and closed on Sundays. More details, including accepted waste types and bonus incentives, are available on the official portal citizen.olesademontserrat.actaiswaste.com.

Reported by sostenible.cat, olesademontserrat.cat, citizen.olesademontserrat.actaiswaste.com, La Bústia.